Green Party councillors are concerned about the loss of housing stock for the most vulnerable.

3 December 2016

Ahead of Mid Suffolk District Council’s Executive meeting next Monday, opposition councillors have warned that sheltered housing, if re-classified, will be exposed to the “Right to Buy” and may be lost from the stock of social housing.

Councillor Sarah Mansel, housing portfolio shadow, said:

“We have invested council tax payers’ money in building and equipping these homes to meet the special needs of the most vulnerable in our communities. We have no problem letting these properties to other tenants, but should not de-designate them, as that would risk their discounted sale meaning they were no longer available to meet special needs.”

Green Group Leader Councillor Andrew Stringer added:

“This move makes little sense when set against the problems of the NHS struggling to send patients to safe homes once their treatment is complete. There is talk of more domiciliary services to support people in their own homes, but we should not diminish our sheltered provision unless alternatives are already in place.”